
- Symmetric psoriatic arthritis affects about 50 percent of people with PsA and multiple, matching pairs of joints on both sides of the body. This type of PsA is the one most similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
- Asymmetric psoriatic arthritis affects about 35 percent of people with PsA. It typically involves one to three joints, but not matching pairs on both sides of the body.
- Distal interphalangeal predominant PsA causes inflammation and stiffness near fingertips and toes, as well as nail changes including pitting, discoloration and onycholysis (the lifting of the nail away from the nailbed). This type of PsA may be mistaken for osteoarthritis.
- Spondylitis affects the spinal column and can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, lower back, spine, or pelvic joints, making movement more difficult. Spondylitis can also attack connective tissues such as ligaments and cause arthritic changes in other joints.
- Arthritis mutilans is the most severe form of PsA, affecting about 5 percent of people with PsA. It causes deformities in the small joints of the fingers and toes, where people with this type of PsA can lose function. Neck and low back pain are also common.
Know your PsA risk
Wondering if you have PsA? Start by asking yourself these five questions. If you're living with PsA and have questions, talk to a NPF Patient Navigator. Whether you were diagnosed yesterday or 20 years ago, your navigator can help you live your healthiest life with PsA.
Driving discovery, creating community
For more than 50 years, we’ve been driving efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of those affected. But there’s still plenty to do! Learn how you can help our advocacy team shape the laws and policies that affect people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis – in your state and across the country. Help us raise funds to support research by joining Team NPF, where you can walk, run, cycle, play bingo or create your own fundraising event. If you or someone you love needs free, personalized support for living a healthier life with psoriatic disease, contact our Patient Navigation Center. And keep the National Psoriasis Foundation going strong by making a donation today. Together, we will find a cure.